Distance instrument.



No. 738,631. PATENTED SEPT. 8, 1903. G. N. SAEGMULLEB. & G. M. SEARLB.

NO MODEL.

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5o of the open face of the reflector-casing.

f UNITED y STATES Patented September 8, 1903.

[PATENT QEEICE.

GEORGE NSAEGMULLEE AND GEORGE M. sEAELE, OE WASHINGTON, i i `DIsrEIor OE COLUMBIA.

DISTANCE INSTRUMENT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of4 Letters Patent No. 738,631, dated September 8, 1903. Application filed February 24,1903. Serial No. 144,719. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern,.- 1 i Be it known that we, GEORGE N. SAEGMUL- LER and GEORGE M. SEARLE,`ctizens of the Unit-ed States, residing at Washington, Dis-` trict of Columbia, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Distance Instruments, of which the following is a specifica-` tion, reference being had therein to the ac;

companying d rawings.

' This invention relates to a distance instru-` ment, and particularly to a mechanical device for immediately and simply obtaining by'inspection the mathematical result of what is known as Buckners method of distance measurement,` which consists in measuring the angle between the visible horizon and the `water-line of the objectthe distance of whichA is required.

' The invention has for an object to present an improvement in the constructionand op.

eration of the parts in the structure shown in our Patents Nos. 686,770 and 686,771, of November 19, 1901, by which the accuracy of the instrumentis increased and the parts are adapted for location within a smaller and more convenient compass. f

A further object of the invention is to provide a' reliecting attachment by which an.ob` servation may be taken toward the shore andV the visible horizon reflected 'from behindth observer.

Otherand further objects yand advantages of the invention will be hereinafter set forth,

andthe novel features ofthe saine defined by.3

the appended claims.

`In the drawings, Figure l is a vertical section through the instrument. Fig. V2 is a horizontal section on the line 2 2-`of Fig. 1.- Fig.`

`line 5 5 of Fig. 1, 'showing the holder for the upper prism. Fig. 6 is a detail perspective of this holder. Fig. 7 is a vertical section on theline 7 7 of Fig. 1 through the lower refleeting-mirror. Fig. 8 is a similar section on the line 8 Sof Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is an elevation Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective of the ar- `adjustable holding-plate C5.. Fig. 4 is a:

rangement'of prisms in the telescope, and

Fig. 11 is an elevation of the slide upon the sight, or telescope may be provided, and for illustration a desirable construction of prismatic telescope B is herein shown in which the eyepiece B is provided with the usual lens, and at the forward part of the lower portion of the casing a double prism B2 is provided, whileat the rear of the casing opposite Onehalf of the prism B2 is a corresponding prism B3, vertically disposed in alinement with an object-lens B4, so that the light-ray passing therethrough traverses the course diagrammatically shown in Fig. 10. In front of this object-lens a prism C is disposed and covers slightly more than one-half of the lens, as shown in Fig. 4, the object thereof being to produce an even light in the lens, as some of the light-rays passing through the prism are so diffused that the direct image upon the. uncovered portion of the lens would be much stronger were not this uneven division provided.

The prism C vis Inounted upon a supporting-plate C', having on its under face a curved transverse rib C2, provided with a central attened portion C3, forming a spaoefor the end of the securing-screw C4, which passes through the casing and is threaded into the The curved rib C3 rocks upon this adjusting-plate, ,and the 'plate also carries screws C6, passing therewith an arm O7, extending radially therefrom and having at its end a bearing-plate C?, 4by

This holding-plate is provided,

means of which the plate and prism supported thereon may be oscillated upon the central bearing C3, into which the holding-screw C4 extends. The prism may be supported upon the plate C' in any desired mannerfor instance, by means ot' screws O10, extending through recesses in the corners of the prisms into the plate or a supporting-bracket C11, carried thereby.

The arm C7is adapted to be moved by means ofan adjusting-screw D, mounted in a threaded bracket upon a plate D' and having its end extended beyond the casing Within a shield D3. The point of this screwv bears upon the plate C3, and directly beneath the same is a tension-point D3, comprising a hollow casing adapted to receive a spring D4 and surrounded by a shell D5, supported from the plate D'. This point moves in the adjustment of the screw and firmly holds the arm in its adjusted position.

Beneath the upper prism C is a lower prism E, disposed opposite the openingr A' in the front of the casing and secured in position by 25 means of screws E', engaging the prism and the supporting-plate E3 thereof. This plate is fixed upon a quadrilateral, preferably upon the horizontal arm F thereof, which arm is pivotally supported at one end by a link F and at its opposite end by a link F3, extending from a pivot F3 and secured to an indicating-arm G in order to oscillate therewith. The linkF2 is fixed in its pivotal relations, while the link F' is provided at its lower end withy a pivot F4, comprising a movable block mounted in a xed casing F5 and adapted to be adjusted by means of screws F3, so as to vary the length of throw or travel of the horizontal arm F, 'as more fully described in connection with our prior patent, No. 686,771, so that the movement of the prism may be adjusted proportionately to the tangent of the angle through which it moves.

The indicating-arm G is provided with a segmental gear G', 'meshing with a pinion G3, carried upon a shaft G3, which is provided at its outer end with an operatingknob G4. This arm is also provided with a beveled edge G5, adapted to operate in connection with an indicatingscale H, while the upper end of the arm is mounted upon the pivot F3 and has secured thereto the link F3, hereinbefore described, a suitable bearing-plate G6 being provided for this pivot.`

The distance-scale H is suitably graduated tocorrespond with any desired distanc'esfor instance, yards and divisions thereof-while the'verti-cal or base line H' thereof curves slightly to one side toward the lower end of the scale proportionatev to lthe curvature of the surface of the earth. This scale is slidingly mounted upon a supporting-plate H3,

which plate is provided at. its upper end with a height-scale H3 and at its lower end with an tioned. For' the purpose of adjusting the Figs. 7 and 8.

distance-scale H relative tothe height and ofng scales a sleeve H5 is secured to the back of the scale by means of a set-screw H6 or otherwise, and through this sleeve an interiorly-threaded tube H7 is passed and secured thereto by a screw H3. This tube passes through a guide-sleeve H3, carried by the frame H2, and a tension-spring H10 extends between the end of this guide and a head H11 upon the tube. Mounted in the casing A is a threaded rod H13, engaging the threads of the tube and having an extended operating end H13, inclosed by a protectingcase H14, so as to be readily adjusted by a suitable key for shifting the relation of the distance-scale to the other fixed scales. The

opening at the front of the casing in alinementl with the prism E is adapted to be screened to any desired extent by means vof a slide A3, provided with a handle A4 and having its upper edge suitably beveled, as shown at A5, so as to cut off more or less light. Thisslide is mounted in a way A3, secured to lthe face of the casing and suitably undercut to retain the slide in position. Thecasing is also provided upon one side with any desired form -of handle, as shown at A7 in Fig. 2.

The instrument so far described is adapted for use when looking toward the sea where the horizon is visible and an intermediate object is to be observed, it being understood that the image of the object passes through the prisms and is reflected thereby upon one side of the object-glass of the telescope, while the direct image of the horizon is visible through the remaining portion of the objectglass. When taking an observation toward the land where the horizon is not visible, it is necessary to establish an artificial horizon, and this is accomplished by means of a reiiecting attachment adapted to cover the portion of the object-lens which is-otherwise free for a direct observation of the horizon. This attachment, as here illustrated, is composed of a casing I, having the front plate I', provided at the upper portion with an opening 12 and at the lower portion with an opening I3, said lower portion being enlarged at I4 to slide downward within the ways A3, its movement being limited by a stop-pin I5. Opposite the upper opening A2 is an inclined reflectingmirror J, mounted in a frame J', pivoted at its lower end J2 and adapted to be adjusted by means of a screw J3, threaded at its lower end into said frame and having a surrounding spring J4 disposedv between the frame and casing, while the operating end of the 'screw is suitably protected bya casing-sleeve J5.

Beneath the mirror J Aa lower reflectingmirror K is disposed at a corresponding angle and in alinement with the uncovered portion of the object-lens B4 of the telescope. This mirror is adapted to be adjusted upon the casing I by means of abracket K', centrally secured by a screw K3, as shown by At opposite sides of this central screw, which is mounted to permit an bracket, while at opposite `sides of the securing-screw `K2 and at a right angle tothe screws K3 are holding-screws K4, passing through the j casing and threaded into the vertical wall of the bracket-,so as to adjust and hold the bracket at any desired inclination necessary to secure the proper reflection. This rear reiiecting device, while shown attached to the case Vof a range-nder, may be applied in any `@desired position to reflect the horizon in connection with the object viewed or used in relation to other forms of optical instrument from that herein shown. The term rangefinder,3 as 'herein used, is intended to cover j all forms ofdist-ance-measuring instruments.

rIhe operation of the details of this invention will be clearly apparent from the foregoing description, and the method ofobser` vation is substantially that of a sextant, two

li images being formed, one ofthe visible horizon and theot'her of the object observed. An adjustment of the indicating-armis effected until these images/are in alinement in L the telescope, the result of which at once in- Wdicates uponthe` scale the distance of the skilled in the art. i

objectf from the observer. It should be said that al suitable adjustment of the heightscale, mirrors,an"d otherparts should be pri-p` be'obvious to one marily effected, which will .It will be seen that the constructionherein presented permitsthe use of the instrument j either looking directly seaward or toward the land, and thelparts are so disposed as to oc Wcupy the minimum of space, producing an instrument which canibe `held like a seXtant andV completely protected within its casing,

itbeing understood that when looking-landwardthe reflection of the horizon isreceived rearp, v i

i It .willbe obvious that changes may be madein the details of construction and con` .figuration without departing from the spirit ofthe inventionfas defined by the appended claims; f

Having described `our invention and set forthits merits, what we claim, and desire to secure by 'Letters Patent, is

telescope `mounted therein `and having a por# l; In a distance instrument, a casing, a

telescope mounted therein and havinga portion of its object-lens'fr direct observation,

an object-prismi adapted'to reflect into the remaining portionoi` said object-lens, and a i removable 'device to coverthe direct-observation' opening inthe casing for reiecting the .horizonat Athe back of the observer in the di-` l rectield` of the lens.

2.In a distance-instrument,"a casing, a

r reliecting device adapted to coverfthe'direct posedmirrors within the same and oj'ienings` therein in alinement with the mirrors.`

3. In a distance instrument, a 'casing pro- `vided with an objectviewing device, means within said casing for reflecting an object therein,'a reflecting device in alinement with a portion of the field of said viewing device comprising a casing having oppositely-"disposed mirrors in alinement with the openings at the upper and lower portions thereof, and means for pivoting the upper mirror in said casing for movement relative tothe lower mirror therein. j 1 i 4. In adistance instrument, an object-viewing device, and a rear reflecting device comprisingoppositely-disposed mirrors, the lower one of which is in alinement with a portion of the field of the object-viewing device and the upper mirror adjustable relative thereto.

5. In a range-finder, a casing provided with a telescope, means Within said casing for reflecting an object therein, a reflecting device in alinement with the iield of said telescope comprising a casing having oppositely-'disposed mirrors in alinement with'openin'gs atV the upper and lower portions thereof, means for pivoting the upper mirror in said casing,

an adjusting-screw extendingdownward into comprising a casing having oppositely-dis`` IOO posed mirrors in alinement with openings at the upper and lower portionsthereof, 'means for pivoting'the upper mirror in s aid casing, an adjustingscrew extending downwardinto the frame of the upper mirror for oscillating' the sameupon its pivot,a bracket for' the lower mirror supported by a screw' from the casing of the reflecting device, an`dadjufst-` ing-screws at opposite sides of said holding# screw and threaded through` the 'casing to bear upon the bracket.

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7. In a range-linder, a casing provided with a telescope, means Within said casing for rel iiecting an'object therein, a reflecting device f in alinement with the fieldof said telescope comprising a easing having oppositely-disposed mirrors in alinement with openings at the upper and lower portions thereof, means for pivoting the upper mirror in said casing,"` an adjusting-screw extending downward'into theframe of the upper mirror for oscillating the same upon its pivot,r a'bra'cketlfrthe lower mirror supported by ascrew from 'the casing of the` reiiectin g device, adjusting? screws at opposite sides of said holding's'crew and threaded through the casingto'bearnpon the bracket, and holding-screws a't opposite sidesof the securing-screw andy at rightfahi gles 'to the adjusting-screws,said holding# screws being threaded into a wall of bracket.

8. In a range-finder, acasing having a sightopening at one side, a telescope located therein, object-redecting means within said casing, and a reflecting device adapted for attachment to said casing over the upper portion ofsaid sight-openin g.

9. Ina range-finder, a casinghaving asightopening at one side, a telescope located there.- in, object-reecting means withinsaid casing, a reflecting device adapted for-attachmentto said casing over the upper portion of said sight-opening, and` a light-reducing slide mounted upon the casing to, operate over the lower portionI of said sight-opening.

10. In a range-finder, a casi-ng, a telescope therein, an object-reiiecting device arranged to project an image into the fieldof'said telescope, means for adj ustingsaid device, an intherein, an object-reiiecting device arranged to projecten image into the field of said telescope, means for adjusting said device,y an indicating-arm carried by said means, a measuring-scale coperating with said arm and havingits base-line curved to conform with the curvature of; the earth, a segmental gear carried by said arm, and a pinion mounted in the casing and meshing with said gear.

12. In a range-finder, a casing, a telescope therein, an object-reflecting device arranged to project an. image into the field of said telescope, means for adjusting said device, an indicating-arm carried by said means, a measuring-scale coperating with said arm and having its base-line curved to conform with the curvature of the earth, a segmental gear carried by said arm, a pinion mounted-in the casing and meshing with said gear, and means for adjusting one of the supports for said object-reflecting device toward and from the other.

13. In a range-finder, acasing, a telescope therein, an object-reflecting device arranged to project an image into the field of said telescope, means for adjustingsaid device, an` indicating-arm carried by said means, a measuring-scale coperating with said arm and having its base-line curved to conform with the curvature of the earth, a segmentalA gear carried by said arm, a pinion mounted in the casing and meshing with said gear, means for adjusting one of the supports for said objectreiiecting device toward and from the other, a fixed height-scale at one'end of said measuring-scale, a fixed effing-scale at the opposite end thereof, and means for adjusting said measuring-scale laterally of the height and ofting scales.

1 4. In a range-finder, a casing, a telescope therein, an object-reflecting device, means for adjusting said device, an indicating-arm carthe ried by a pivot of said adjusting means,`a laterally-movable measuring-scalebeneath said arm, a sleeve secured to the rear of said scale, an interiorly-threaded tube secured to said sleeve, an adjusting-screw mounted in the casing and entering said sleeve, a fixed collar throughy which said tube reciprocates, a head upon one end of said tube, and a spring disposed between said head and collar.

15. In a distance instrument, a casing, a

.telescope therein, an adjustable reflecting device within said casing, a scale within said casing in alinement with a sightopening therein, an indicating-arm within said casing coperating with said scale, and means upon the exterior of the casing having connections upon the interior thereof for operating said arm.

1:6. In a distance instrument, an objectviewingl device, anl objectreflecting prism adapted to cover more than one-half ofthe area thereof, and means for permitting a direct unobstructed view of the horizon upon the remaining portion whereby an equal light and intensity of image is secured.

17. In a distance instrument, a casing, an object-viewing device mounted at the upper portion thereof, an upper reflecting prism covering a portion of the ieldof said device,

a lower reiiecting-prism in alinement beneath the upper prism and having its reflectingface parallel therewith, and means for adj usting said lower prism.

18. In a distance instrument, `\a casing, an object-viewing device mounted at the upper portion thereof, an upper reflecting-prism covering a portion of the field of said device, a lower reiecting-prism in alinement beneath the upper prism and having its reflectingface parallel therewith, means for adjusting said lower prism, and means for oscillating said upper prism upon its support.

19. In a range-finder, a casing, a telescope mounted at the upper portion thereof, an upper reecting-prism covering a portion of the field of said telescope, a lower refiectingprism in alinement beneath the upper prism, a supporting-plate for said upper prism having a transverse bearing upon its reverse side, a holding-plate secured to the casing,

and adjustable screws passing through said holding-plate into said supporting-plate.

20. ln a range-finder, a casing, a telescope mountedat the upper portion thereof, an upper reflecting-prism coveringa portion ofthe field of said telescope, a lower reflectingprism in alinement beneath the upper prism, a supporting-plate for said upper prism having a transverse bearing upon its reverse side, a holding-plate secured to the casing,

adjustable screws passing through said holding-plate into said supporting-plate, a leverarm extending from said holding-plate, and means for oscillating said arm and plate upon a central pivot.

21. In a range-finder, a casing, a telescope mounted at the upper portion thereof, an up-l IOO Ilo 5 IIO per reflecting-prism covering a portion of the field of said telescope, a lower reiiecting-prism in alinement beneath the upper prism, a supporting-platefor said upper prism having a transverse bearing upon its :reverse side, a holding-platesecured to the casing, adjustable screws passing through said holding- `plate into saidsupporting-plate, a lever-arm extendingfrom said holding-plate, a springcontact beneath said lever-arm, and an adj ustable screw extending through the casing and bearing upon the upper surface of said arm.

22. In a range-finder, a casing, a telescope mounted at the upper portion thereof, an upper reflectingprism covering a portion of the field of said telescope, a lower reIiecting-prism in alinement beneath the upper prism, a supporting-'plate for said upper prism having a transverse bearing upon its reverse side, a holding-plate secured to the casing, adjustable screws `passing through said holding-V plate intosaid supporting-plate, alever-arm `extending from `said holding-plate, a springcontact beneath said lever-arm, an adjustable screw extending through thecasing and bear- 4 -ingupon the upper surface of said arm, a

swinging support 'for the lower prism, a xed pivot at one end of said support having an `indicating-arm extending therefrom, a link at the opposite end of said support, means for adjusting the lower end of the link toward and from the fixed pivot, and a measuring- `scale coperating with said arm.

23. In a range-finder, a casing, a telescope mountedat the upper portion thereof, an upperreflecting-prism covering a portion of the field of said telescope, a lower reflecting-prism in alinement beneath theupper prism, a supporting-plate for said `upper prism having a transverse bearing upon its reverse side, a holding-plate secured to thecasing, adjustable screws passing through said holdingplate into said supporting-plate, a lever-arm extending from said holding-plate, a springcontact beneath said lever-arm, an adjustable screw extending through the casing and bear- -ing upon the upper surface of said arm, la swinging support for the lower prism, a fixed pivot at one end'of said support having an indicating-arm extending therefrom, a link at the` opposite end of said support, means for adjusting the lower end of the link toward and from the fixed pivot, a measuring-scale cooperating with said arm, a height-scale at one end of` saidmeasuring-scale, an ofiingscale at the lowerend thereof, and means for adjusting said measuring-scale relative to the heightand 'ong scales. Y

24.-. In a range-nder, a casing, a telescope in alinement beneath the upper prism, a supporting-plate for said upper prism having a transverse bearing upon its reverse side, a holding-plate secured to thecasing, adjustable screws passing through said holdingplate into said supporting-plate, a lever-arm extending from said holding-plate, a springcontact beneath said lever-arm, an adjustable screw extending through the casing and bearing upon the upper surface of said arm, a swinging support for the lower prism, a xed pivot at one end of said support having an indicating-arm extending therefrom, a link at the opposite end of said support, means for adjusting the lower end of the link toward and from the fixed pivot, a

measuring-scale coperating with said arm, a height-scale at one end of said measuring-scale, an effing-scale at the lower end thereof, means for adjusting said measuring-scale relative to the height and effing scales, a slideway at a sight-opening in the case, and a slide in said way having a beveled upper edge.

25. In a range-finder, a casing, a telescope mounted at the upper portion thereof, an upper reiiecting-prism covering a portion of the eld of said telescope, a lower reflecting-prism in alinement beneath the upper prism,` a supporting-plate for said upper prism having a transverse bearing upon its reverse side, a holding-plate secured to the casing, adjustable screws passing through said holdingplate intosaid supporting-plate, a lever-arm extending from said holding-plate, a springoontact beneath said lever-arm, an adjustable screw extending through the casing and bearing upon the upper surface of said arm, a swinging support for the lower prism, a fixed pivot at one end of said support having an indicating-arm extending therefrom, a link at the opposite end of said support,

lmeans for adjusting the-lower end of the link toward and from the fixed pivot, a measuring-scale coperatin g with said arm, a heightscale at one end of said measuring-scale, an effing-scale at the lower end thereof, means for adjusting said measuring-scale relative to the height and effing scales, a slideway at asight-opening in the case, a slide in said way having a beveled upper edge, and a reflecting device adapted to enter said slideway and reflect an image through one side of the sight-opening parallel to the upper prism.

In testimony whereof we affix `oursignatures in presence of two witnesses. GEORGE N. SAEGMULLER.4

GEORGE M. SEARLE. -Witnesses as to Geo. N. Saegmuller:

ALFRED T. GAGE, E. J. BEvERsToCK. Witnesses as t0 George M. Searle:

JOSEPH P. DAY, DUDLEY C. HAMER.

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